Varroa and Shade

[Stingtarget]

Getting ready to pollinate apples for a friend first part of April.  While hives are gone from yard I'd like to move my electric fence to a larger area getting ready for expansion of 2 more hives.  Considering running fence around a small stand of young maple trees.  I've been told by a veteran beekeeper that his hives have been more prone to Varroa in shady areas and he now keeps his hives in full sun.He has 80 or so hives.  Anyone else heard of this?  Seems like the shade would help in the summer and the deciduous trees would lose their leaves to allow for some sun in the winter. What are some thoughts?

[Billy The Beekeeper]

Ive never heard of it, but most of the time veterans know what they talkin about. Hopefully u figure it out and have a good year Goodluck  :-D                       :mrgreen:

[Jerrymac]

I've heard full sun is over all better.

[Michael Bush]

My bees always seem to do better in full sun.  I like working them better in the shade.  :)

[Beaches Bee-Haven Apiary]

I've got three out of five hives in the shade, and they've got more SHB in them than the two in full sun. I'm debating moving them into full sun, but like Micheal Bush says, I like them in the shade! :)

-Nathanael 8-)

[qa33010]

    State Inspector told me better sun all the time.  The ones in full sun in morning and dapple shade in afternoon do better than the ones that get full afternoon shade but not better than the two that get full sun almost all the time.

[Brian D. Bray]

Full sun is best.  Sweet band for under the hat is a must.  Work with bare hands as gloves makes the hands sweet.

[Michael Bush]

Studies on Varroa have shown that slightly lower temperatures increase the Varroa reproduction.  Slightly higher temperatures decrease Varroa reproduction.

My guess is you're friend is correct and he has less Varroa in full sun.

[imabkpr]

I like part shade.  Its cooler to work than full sun, also get a better honey crop. The bees don't have to spend as much time cooling the hive.
I'm not bothered with varroa or small hive beetle.   Charlie

[Beaches Bee-Haven Apiary]

I'm not bothered with varroa or small hive beetle.   Charlie

Yet

[imabkpr]

I would guess that varroa mites and small hive beetles know where they are safe and welcome. Take it from me, its not in my bee hives. Therefore
I'm not bothered with either.   Charlie

[doak]

Like the man said, "yet".
But I do wish you don't get either.
doak